Dream Sponsors Committee Comprises Reputable Kenyan Professionals and Revered Community Leaders

Dream Sponsors Kenya Advisory Committee members. Left to right Silas Manyobe, John Imbayi, Meridinah Otuma, Nixon Chebuche and Rev. Jorum Andayi

The Dream Sponsors Kenya Advisory Committee is based in Bunyore, Western Kenya. The committee is composed of indigenous leaders serving in various capacities in the local village. The committee members are responsible for distribution of goods and services to our beneficiaries, mentoring of the orphan youth, fiscal recordkeeping and accountability, project development and co-parenting of sponsored youth. The committee has been instrumental in managing the sponsored youth and reporting their progress and challenges to the USA Board of Directors since the organization launched in 2007.

The committee conducts home and school visits on behalf of Dream Sponsors, addressing beneficiary successes and problems with grandparents, school officials and sponsored youth as and when needs arise. However, with Dream Sponsors slowly phasing out the individual sponsorship model, the Advisory Committee now plays a significant role in supporting the nonprofit organization's transition to reach the greater community and create a more collective positive impact.

THE BUNYORE PROJECT DREAM TEAM

The original Kenya Advisory committee members some years ago, left to right: Rev. Jorum Andayi, Meridinah Otuma, John Imbayi, the late Susan Otuma and Nixon Chebuche.

The Bunyore Advisory Committee combines the talents and skills of indigenous professionals, both men and women, who offer diverse talents and skills. The team includes:

• Lead Coordinator, Meridinah Otuma who has a Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Chain Management from Kenya Institute of Management. She is currently pursuing a degree (part time) at Kibabii University, after earning sponsorship from Dream Sponsors to further her education. Meridinah conducts most of the school and home visits to address youth needs.

• Chairman, Rev Jorum Andayi, who worked as an accountant for a tea company for 40 years before retiring. He studied Theology in Canada and is ordained as a Reverend and Pastor with The Church of God.

• Secretary, John Richard Imbayi, who is a trained electrical engineer at National Youth Service and currently the Assistant Chief Administrator for Ebusiloli sub location.

• Treasurer, Nixon Chebuche, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Human Ecology from Egerton University. He demonstrates a vast knowledge in Agriculture and Rural Sociology as well as Financial Management. He is employed with the Agriculture and Food Authority, a department of the Ministry of Agriculture.

• Medical Advisor, Silas Manyobe who is a Senior Nursing Officer holding a Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing from Mathare Medical Training College and a Diploma in Community Health Nursing from Kenya Medical Training College. He has over 25 years work experience in his field. He is currently employed with the Ministry of Health as head of one of their facilities.

• Meeting Host, Admona Otuma, who has been supportive in availing a meeting venue for all Dream Sponsors meetings. She by provides chairs, tables, lighting, drinking water and a conducive environment for the team to gather and work together. Being a mother and widow she is welcoming and supportive with a wealth of knowledge to share with the team.

• Last but certainly not least, honored former member, the late Susan Otuma, who was instrumental in shaping the Kenya-based committee and coordinating the sponsorship program with other Dream Sponsors officials in the early years.

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Information provided by Dream Sponsors' Bunyore Advisory Committee

Edited by Lexy Sanguinetti